Pressurized Fluid Valve With Single-Step Throttled Opening
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing valves for pressurized fluids are complex in construction and assembly, prone to wear and contamination, and require multiple steps for actuation, leading to potential loss of pressure and safety hazards.
Innovation Solution
A valve design with a cam follower and valve seat configuration that allows for a single-step, throttled opening mechanism, ensuring fluid-tightness proportional to pressure, reducing wear and contamination, and enhancing safety through bi-stable actuation and eccentric connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single valve closure system is used, then the construction is simple, but the flow rate cannot be throttled progressively
Solution Approach 1:
The valve closure system is segmented into two independent closure valves (first closure valve and second closure valve) with separate valve seats and sealing elements. This segmentation allows each valve to control different aspects of flow: the first valve provides progressive throttling control while the second valve ensures complete closure, thereby resolving the contradiction between construction simplicity and flow rate control capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The lever mechanism is designed to actuate the two closure valves sequentially during a single rotational movement. The lever first actuates the first closure valve to throttle the flow progressively, then continues rotating to actuate the second closure valve for complete closure. This dynamic sequential actuation within a single motion resolves the contradiction between device complexity and productivity by achieving both throttling and complete control without requiring multiple separate operations.
2Ease of operation
If compression springs are used for valve actuation, then the valve can be automatically reset, but particulates are generated contaminating the fluid
Solution Approach 1:
The compression spring is completely extracted from the fluid path and relocated to the external actuation mechanism. The spring now operates externally to provide reset force for the lever, while the lever itself acts as the sole internal component for valve actuation. This extraction eliminates the source of particulate contamination (spring rotation and wear) from the fluid path while preserving the automatic reset function through the external spring mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The lever is introduced as an intermediary component between the external compression spring and the valve closure elements. The lever translates the rotational motion generated by the external spring into sequential actuation of both closure valves. This intermediary arrangement allows the spring to provide automatic reset functionality while the lever, being in direct contact with the fluid path, is designed with smooth surfaces to minimize particulate generation.
3Productivity
If multiple levers and valves are used for throttled opening, then flow control is improved, but the actuation becomes complex requiring multiple steps
Solution Approach 1:
The actuation functions for both closure valves are merged into a single lever mechanism. The lever is positioned and dimensioned to sequentially engage with both valve actuation points during one continuous rotational movement. This merging allows the operator to achieve progressive throttling followed by complete closure through a single actuation motion, resolving the contradiction between improved flow control and simplified operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The lever actuation follows a periodic sequence within a single rotation: first engaging the first closure valve at a specific angular position to begin throttling, then continuing rotation to engage the second closure valve for complete closure. This periodic action pattern embedded within a single rotational cycle achieves sophisticated flow control without requiring multiple separate actuation steps, thereby resolving the contradiction between productivity and ease of operation.
4Reliability
If valve surfaces slide against each other for closure, then sealing is achieved, but wear and pressure loss increase over time
Solution Approach 1:
The first closure valve utilizes the fluid pressure itself as the actuating force for closure. The valve is positioned and dimensioned so that the pressure differential across the valve automatically drives the closure action without requiring additional mechanical force or complex spring mechanisms. This self-service approach reduces mechanical wear on sealing surfaces by eliminating the need for high-force mechanical actuation, thereby extending service life while maintaining reliable sealing.
Solution Approach 2:
The lever mechanism is designed to gradually bring the closure valves to their sealing positions rather than forcing them abruptly. The rotational motion of the lever provides a cushioned, controlled approach to closure, reducing impact forces and mechanical shocks on the sealing surfaces. This prior cushioning effect minimizes wear during the closure process, extending the duration of action of the stationary valve components while maintaining sealing reliability.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The valve provides a simple, reliable, and safe operation with consistent flow throttling, maintaining fluid purity and preventing self-ignition, while ensuring safety under impact or fire conditions.
Implementation Method 1
at least one partially open position so as to throttle the flow of the pressurized fluid being discharged from the valve
Implementation Method 2
a valve head which is capable of moving into abutment in a fluid-tight manner against an abutment surface of the valve seat
Data Source
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AI summary
A valve comprising a valve body having an outflow pipe and comprising a valve seat which defines a first zone of the outflow pipe upstream of the valve seat and a second zone downstream of the valve seat, and a cam follower which is capable of moving with respect to the valve seat along an axis X between an open position, at least one partially open position and a closed position, and comprising a valve head which is capable of moving into abutment in a fluid-tight manner against an abutment surface of the valve seat, a rod which is fixedly joined to the valve head, in such a manner that there is defined a through-opening between a lateral surface of the rod and a corresponding internal surface of the valve seat which faces the lateral surface of the rod, characterized in that the through- opening is equal to a first value A when the cam follower is in the at least one partially open position and is equal to a second value B when the cam follower is in an open position, with B>A.